As a kid, summer time used to look like a lot of reading, spending time with friends and family, and going on our annual family vacation. Summers started to change a little when I was in high school and was working and this continued to my college years.

Life changed post-college once I started my first job. Getting used to a new schedule and routine. Then, I was eligible to work overtime in my first position so I was spending more time working so I could put more money towards my student loans. Before I knew it, I was moving away from my home state and over one thousand miles away from my family and friends.

Like many people, life got busy during my move, post-move, and settling into a brand new routine. Work, responsibilities, side projects, and everything else seemed to take priority, and reading slowly moved further and further down my list. I would still pick up a book here and there (definitely in the summer), but reading took an absolute backseat.

Over the last handful of months, I have found myself returning to books again. I have been reminded just how much I missed it.

I am excited to introduce Homebase Reads, a new section of my website dedicated to the books I am reading and recommending.

What You’ll Find Here

Most of the books you will see featured will lean towards:

📖 Sports romances

📖 Romantic comedies

📖 Beach reads

📖 Personal growth and self-development books

📖 Memoirs and autobiographies

Some books will make me laugh. Some will inspire me. Some will make me feel like I am there – as a character and enjoying the setting. Others will teach me something new or offer a perspective I had not considered before.

Rather than writing formal book reviews (more to come on where you can find this), I will be taking a different approach to how I share reviews here. I will share my rating, why I picked the book, a few quick thoughts, and if I would recommend the book.

My Reading Journey Looks a Little Different These Days

One thing that has surprised me is how much I have enjoyed reading digitally.

While there is still something special about holding a physical book, I have found myself reading more consistently through the Kindle app on my phone and occasionally on my iPad.

Having books readily available wherever I go has made it easier to squeeze in a few chapters while waiting for an appointment, babysitting, sitting at an airport, or winding down at the end of the day.

As someone who loves to travel, there is also a practical side to digital reading. Packing multiple books can take up valuable suitcase space, while an app or e-reader allows me to bring an entire library along for the trip.

And yes— I am currently considering a Kindle device of my own. The convenience, portability, and ability to travel with hundreds of books in one place is becoming more appealing the more I read.

What’s Coming Next

My goal is to make Homebase Reads a place where fellow readers can discover new books and maybe find their next favorite read.

You can expect to see:

📚 Monthly reading recaps

📚 Books I recommend

📚 To Be Read (TBR) lists

📚 Reading goals and challenges

📚 Favorite reading tools and accessories

📚 Reflections and takeaways from personal growth books

📚 ….and more! The opportunities are endless at this point!

Whether you are a lifelong reader or someone trying to rediscover the habit like I was, I am glad you here!!

Share with me what you are currently reading or a book on your TBR list!

Happy reading,

Emily